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In the early morning hours over Madrid, one eager fan occupied a ideal position in front of the the massive concert venue. He joined the first devotees to arrive at the site, filled with anticipation for the act's first live show in an extended period, kicking off a multi-city European tour.

"I feel overwhelming joy. It's hard to believe this moment has arrived," remarked the young man, who had come from Italy. "It's been so long, even if they sing a single tune repeatedly, I'll be thrilled."

Time flew by as concertgoers discussed their ideal spots in front of the circular stage, and enjoyed the fact that they were among the fortunate ones who had scored tickets for a tour that had been fully booked in a very short time.

Controversy and Audience Responses

The situation in Gaza was an issue that had arisen throughout the day, due to the fact that a pro-Palestinian campaign group had urged on people to boycott the performances, citing musician Jonny Greenwood's appearance in Israel.

This issue appears to be delicate for the band; subsequent to news stories about the protest appeal, journalists were denied from obtaining tickets to review the performance. On Tuesday, the group did not reply to a question regarding the decision.

In Spain, where a large number have taken to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause, the band's actions had left some fans torn. "It would have been nice if they had made a statement about it much earlier," said Lola, a young woman, who preferred that her last name not be published. "As someone who admires them, I felt somewhat let down. But fortunately I think they realized their mistake."

She pointed to the incident previously in the Australian city, when the vocalist, the artist, temporarily walked off stage during a individual concert after a protester shouter shouted: "How many more young lives lost will it take for you to condemn the violence in Gaza?"

This wasn't the appropriate approach to react, said the attendee. "I disapproved of the action." Ultimately, however, the melodies had swayed her. "Naturally cannot manage what I feel when I listen to the sound ... I was determined to come and listen the music and vocals that I've been listening to since I was a young teen."

Band's Response

Afterward, made a declaration saying the situation in Melbourne left him "surprised that my apparent non-response was somehow being interpreted as complicity," calling the official, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his regime as "extremists" who "must be halted."

Ahead of the performances, Yorke declared that he would "certainly not" play in Israel. "I wouldn't want to be 5,000 miles close to the leadership," he remarked.

Longtime Supporters Express Their Opinions

A number of supported the group, citing their established record of social engagement. "They've always stood for peace, they can't have changed now," said one supporter. "I believe the people who know them, understand that they are on the just side."

The evening's performance was to be the half-century mark she had seen Radiohead play, after becoming hooked when she first saw them in concert in decades ago.

For these events she had passes for multiple performances: the first event in Madrid and each show in her nation of the European country. "They continually transform from release to release, they never do identical performances," she said as she presented her couple of band-inspired ink. "Basically, I used to be a U2 fan but they continued with the same things. And after a while you lose interest."

Younger Fans Embraces the Community

Among certain attendees, the fact that the artists had remained an extended period without playing live had introduced a sense of urgency into the latest concerts. "It's possible there won't be another opportunity, the group has aged at this point," said an attendee, a young man, eliciting amusement from those standing nearby with him. "So it was really worth it to be present and enjoy this event."

Behind him waited Sergio Zapater, who had arrived carrying his things after catching a early transport from his city.

The previous occasion the middle-aged man had seen the group was 22 years ago. This time, he had reached at the site over half a day before the concert was scheduled to begin, certain that he would be the first in line.

However he discovered the fact that a younger crowd – one that seemed comfortable with dawn arrivals or waiting – had developed a passion for Radiohead's "advanced, intricate, moving" songs. "I was taken aback to encounter so many teenagers here," he said with a laugh. "What a nuisance, I assumed I would be the lead attendee because older people avoid these events. But at present my position is later."

After four nights in Madrid, Radiohead's tour will move to Bologna, London, the Danish city and the European nation, ending on the winter date.